Cartier Santos-Dumont PARIS 1960s Cal.21

The Santos is an essential part of any discussion of Cartier. As the world’s first men’s wristwatch developed by Cartier and a historically significant model, it has enduring popularity. This is a Santos-Dumont from the late 1960s. Extra-flat models are generally from around the 1970s to 1980s, but this piece dates from the 1960s, when Cartier was still producing watches in small quantities. Cartier watches from this era are rare, with relatively few examples still in existence. The main differences in this type are the case shape and dial. Compared with models from around 1980, the dial and bezel are proportionally smaller relative to the case, giving it a construction closer to the early Santos models from the 1910s. The Case Size is also close to that of examples from the 1910s–1920s, at 22.5 mm. The “cartier” and “PARIS” markings on the dial are small, creating a more classical impression. It is unfortunate that the hands are not Breguet hands, but the overall character is excellent. The original size is small and close to a ladies’ size, but it should suit men with slimmer wrists as well. The movement is a Frédéric Piguet Cal. 21. Thin Jaeger-LeCoultre movements were also used during this period, but this one should be reassuring as it is still easier to maintain. Although from a different era, the watch is fitted with a genuine 18k Buckle.